It’s always great to have a fun, casual shoot with a couple in advance of their wedding day, and it’s one of the reasons we travel the country coordinating with couples to photograph them in their home cities on such a regular basis. The engagement session not only captures wonderful shots for their announcements and save-the-date cards… but it also lets us get to know one another and helps folks become used to the process of being photographed. By the time the big day rolls around, it’s just that much easier to get the relaxed, real images we love so much.
When we got the call last year from Elizabeth and Mike in The Netherlands, we secretly hoped that we would be on the next plane to Europe to tell the story of their incredible lives there in The Hague. But we quickly learned that Mike grew up in York Harbor, Maine and that they would be traveling back to the United States for only a few days and really wanted to connect with us on Mike’s hometown beach for a photo shoot… and then a year later, have a wedding at that same spot.
Lots of gorgeous, thoughtful details.
Beautiful bouquets. Love the fiddleheads mixed in with the flowers.
Elizabeth walking in, escorted by her father.
The York Harbor Reading Room is perched literally feet from the water’s edge.
The ring bearer was adorable. So sweet and compliant…but maybe a wedding wasn’t exactly his idea of fun?
Their exquisite wedding bands.
Beautiful.
Immediately following the wedding, the family celebrates!
Their love grew over specially brewed coffee, so it was fitting that their table cards be presented with a recounting of their story & a bag of coffee beans.
And then…the bridesmaids celebrate!
I’m always amazed when little kids can clear a dance floor. This girl had moves!
The fiddlehead motif of the bouquet continues in the cake decoration.
Everyone danced until the wee hours of the morning. They just never stopped!
We love these images… there’s an honesty about them that’s impossible to manufacture. It’s probably right around midnight, the veil and the fancy, uncomfortable shoes are long gone. The hours of dancing and celebrating have worn away all but the tired joy of marrying the person you truly love. These images were captured using only available light, and there’s a truth about them that we really loved.
A summer night, a sparkler, and a smile that is so genuine… True joy.
Congratulations on your beautiful wedding, and thanks for having me! Hope to see you guys in The Netherlands next time!
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Want to see the rest of the photos? Just go to www.brianwedge.com
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Vendors:
Photography: Brian Wedge Photography
Planning and Coordinating: Diane York Weddings
Location/Catering: York Harbor Reading Room
Florist: Calluna Fine Flowers
Band: Big Chief
Cake: Owen Dyer Confection Art
